Rule2023-16540
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 3, 2023
Effective
September 7, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-21- 06, which applied to certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats. AD 2019-21-06 required modification and re- identification of the affected seats, initial and repetitive inspections of the affected track lock springs and, depending on the findings, replacement of the track lock springs with a part eligible for installation. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-21-06, the FAA determined the need for a mandatory terminating action to the track lock spring inspections. This AD is prompted by reports of track lock spring failures occurring on affected seats. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019-21-06. This AD also adds a mandatory terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections of the affected track lock springs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 148 (Thursday, August 3, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 148 (Thursday, August 3, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51230-51233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16540]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0661; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00737-Q;
Amendment 39-22510; AD 2023-14-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Ipeco Pilot and Co-Pilot Seats
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-21-
06, which applied to certain Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and
co-pilot seats. AD 2019-21-06 required modification and re-
identification of the affected seats, initial and repetitive
inspections of the affected track lock springs and, depending on the
findings, replacement of the track lock springs with a part eligible
for installation. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-21-06, the FAA
determined the need for a mandatory terminating action to the track
lock spring inspections. This AD is prompted by reports of track lock
spring failures occurring on affected seats. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2019-21-06. This AD also adds a mandatory
terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections of the
affected track lock springs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 7, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 7,
2023.
[[Page 51231]]
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of
December 12, 2017 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017); and December 13,
2019 (84 FR 60325, November 8, 2019).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0661; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN,
United Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118; fax: +44 1702 540782; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d0a4b5b3b8beb9b3b1bca3a5a0a0bfa2a490b9a0b5b3bffeb3bfbd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1d5c4c2c9cfc8c2c0cdd2d4d1d1ced3d5e1c8d1c4c2ce8fc2cecc">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is
also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0661.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Kung, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781)
238-7244; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#21180c6077720c6068730c6360626e0c626e72614740400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b28b9ff3e4e19ff3fbe09ff0f3f1fd9ff1fde1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-21-06, Amendment 39-19772 (84 FR
60325, November 8, 2019) (AD 2019-21-06). AD 2019-21-06 applied to
Ipeco pilot and co-pilot seats with a part number (P/N) listed in
Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information, Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service
Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and
Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot seat P/N 3A063-
0100-01-1. AD 2019-21-06 was prompted by an MCAI originated by the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2018-
0262, dated December 6, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0262), to correct an unsafe
condition identified as reports of track lock spring failures occurring
on affected seats, including those seats already modified by EASA AD
2016-0256, dated December 16, 2016 (EASA AD 2016-0256). AD 2019-21-06
required modification and re-identification of the affected seats,
initial and repetitive inspections of the affected track lock springs
and, depending on the findings, replacement of the track lock springs
with a part eligible for installation. The FAA issued AD 2019-21-06 to
prevent unexpected movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and
landing.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 10, 2023 (88 FR
21114). The NPRM was prompted by United Kingdom (UK) Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) AD G-2022-0011, dated June 9, 2022 (referred to after
this as the MCAI), issued by UK CAA, which is the aviation authority
for the UK. The MCAI states that occurrences of track lock spring
failures continued to be reported, including seats already modified, as
instructed by EASA AD 2016-0256. Consequently, the manufacturer
published revised service information, which specifies instructions for
inspection and replacement, if necessary, of affected track lock
springs; and EASA issued EASA AD 2018-0262 to supersede EASA AD 2016-
0256, which retained the modification and re-identification; and
introduced new instructions to inspect for damage and incorrect
installation of the track lock springs and, if necessary, replacement
of both track lock springs of the affected seat. The MCAI supersedes
EASA AD 2018-0262; removes the previous instructions for modification
and re-identification; retains the inspection for damage and incorrect
installation of the track lock springs; and introduces new instructions
for replacement of the affected track lock springs and lever, and
installation of a track lock lever control placard (modification and
re-identification) as terminating action.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0661.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all of the requirements of
AD 2019-21-06. The FAA also proposed to add a mandatory terminating
action (modification and re-identification of each affected seat) for
the initial and repetitive inspections of the affected track lock
springs. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent unexpected movement of
pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products. Except for minor editorial changes this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Ipeco SB Number 063-25-15, Issue 2; SB Number 063-
25-16, Issue 2; SB Number 063-25-17, Issue 2; and SB Number 063-25-18,
Issue 2; all dated March 8, 2022. These SBs provide instructions for
removal and replacement of the track lock levers and springs and
installation of a track lock lever control placard.
This AD also requires Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; SB
Number 063-25-09, Revision 00; and SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00;
all dated May 31, 2016, which the Director of the Federal Register
approved for incorporation by reference as of December 12, 2017 (82 FR
51552, November 7, 2017).
This AD also requires Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated
August 14, 2018, which the Director of the Federal Register approved
for incorporation by reference as of December 13, 2019 (84 FR 60325,
November 8, 2019).
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 120 pilot and co-pilot seats
installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates that seats installed on 34 ATR 42 airplanes
and seats installed on 21 ATR 72 airplanes require modification and
inspection.
[[Page 51232]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect ATR 42 or ATR 72 flight crew 0.25 work-hours x $85 $0 $21.25 $2,550
seats. per hour = $21.25.
Modify ATR 42 or ATR 72 flight crew 2 work-hours x $85 per 56 226 27,120
seats. hour = $170.
Report results of ATR 42 or ATR 72 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 10,200
inspection. hour = $85.
Modify ATR 42 or ATR 72 flight crew 2.5 work-hours x $85 per 56 268.50 32,220
seats per mandatory terminating hour = $212.50.
action.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Remove seat and replace ATR 42 track lock 1.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $28 $155.50
spring. $127.50.
Remove seat and replace ATR 72 track lock 1.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = 28 155.50
spring. $127.50.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2019-21-06, Amendment 39-19772 (84
FR 60325, November 8, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2023-14-10 Ipeco Holdings Limited: Amendment 39-22510; Docket No.
FAA-2023-0661; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00737-Q.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 7,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-21-06, Amendment 39-19772 (84 FR 60325,
November 8, 2019); (AD 2019-21-06).
[[Page 51233]]
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to:
(i) Ipeco Holdings Limited (Ipeco) pilot and co-pilot seats with
a part number (P/N) listed in Paragraph 1.A., Planning Information,
Tables 1 and 2, of Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-14,
Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018, and
(ii) Ipeco pilot seat P/N 3A063-0099-01-1 and Ipeco co-pilot
seat P/N 3A063-0100-01-1.
(2) These seats are installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE
Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional ATR 42 and ATR 72 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight
Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of track lock spring failures
occurring on affected seats. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
unexpected movement of pilot and co-pilot seats on takeoff and
landing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Modification and Re-Identification of Seats, Inspections
and Replacement of Track Lock Spring, and Reporting With No Changes
This paragraph retains the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2019-21-06, with no changes.
(1) For seats that have not installed the track lock spring
modification kit, within two years after December 12, 2017 (the
effective date of AD 2017-22-02, Amendment 39-19082 (82 FR 51552,
November 7, 2017)), modify and re-identify each affected pilot and
co-pilot seat using the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco SB
Number 063-25-08, Revision 00; Ipeco SB Number 063-25-09, Revision
00; or Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00; all dated May 31,
2016, as applicable to each affected seat.
(2) For all affected seats:
(i) Within 750 flight hours (FHs) after December 13, 2019 (the
effective date of AD 2019-21-06), and, thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 750 FHs, inspect the track lock spring of each seat in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.2, of
Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(ii) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, any damage on, or incorrect installation of,
any track lock spring is found on the pilot or co-pilot seat, before
further flight, replace both track lock springs of the affected seat
with a part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2, as applicable, of Ipeco
SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(3) Within 30 days after the initial and repetitive inspections,
and thereafter for two years after December 13, 2019 (the effective
date of AD 2019-21-06), send the inspection results, including no
findings, to Ipeco at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3a7b6b0bbbdbab0b2bfa0a6a3a3bca1a793baa3b6b0bcfdb0bcbe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="592d3c3a3137303a38352a2c2929362b2d1930293c3a36773a3634">[email protected]</span></a>.
(h) New Mandatory Terminating Action
As a mandatory terminating action to the inspections required by
paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, within 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, or at the next Base Maintenance check, whichever
occurs later, modify and re-identify each affected seat in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco SB Number
063-25-15, Issue 2; SB Number 063-25-16, Issue 2; SB Number 063-25-
17, Issue 2; or SB Number 063-25-18, Issue 2; all dated March 8,
2022, as applicable to each affected seat.
(i) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot or
co-pilot seat identified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this AD unless
the seat is modified and re-identified as specified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(j) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, ``damage'' includes cracks,
breaks, corrosion, or deformation of the track lock spring.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ``incorrect installation'' is an
installed track lock spring that is at an angle or position
different from the angle or position shown in Figures 6 and 7 of
Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14, 2018.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is:
(i) A modified seat provided, before installation, it has passed
an inspection (no damage is found); and
(ii) A track lock spring provided that it passed an inspection
(no damage is found).
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph
(g)(2)(ii) of this AD if the actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using ATR SB No. ATR42-25-0191, Original
Issue, dated July 4, 2016; ATR SB No. ATR42-25-0191, Revision No.
01, dated July 20, 2016; or ATR SB No. ATR72-25-1157, Revision No.
02, dated March 9, 2017.
(l) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(n) Additional Information
(1) Refer to United Kingdom (UK) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
AD G-2022-0011, dated June 9, 2022, for related information. This UK
CAA AD may be found in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket
No. FAA-2023-0661.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Kung,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7244; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9fa6b2dec9ccb2ded6cdb2dddedcd0b2dcd0ccdff9fefeb1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81b8acc0d7d2acc0c8d3acc3c0c2ceacc2ced2c1e7e0e0afe6eef7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
September 7, 2023.
(i) Ipeco Service Bulletin (SB) Number 063-25-15, Issue 2, dated
March 8, 2022.
(ii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-16, Issue 2, dated March 8, 2022.
(iii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-17, Issue 2, dated March 8, 2022.
(iv) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-18, Issue 2, dated March 8, 2022.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 13, 2019 (84 FR 60325, November 8, 2019).
(i) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-14, Revision 00, dated August 14,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 12, 2017 (82 FR 51552, November 7, 2017).
(i) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-08, Revision 00, dated May 31, 2016.
(ii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-09, Revision 00, dated May 31, 2016.
(iii) Ipeco SB Number 063-25-10, Revision 00, dated May 31,
2016.
(6) For Ipeco service information identified in this AD, contact
Ipeco Holdings Limited, Aviation Way, Southend On Sea, SS2 6UN,
United Kingdom; phone: +44 1702 545118; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#285c4d4b4046414b49445b5d5858475a5c6841584d4b47064b4745"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9cddcdad1d7d0dad8d5caccc9c9d6cbcdf9d0c9dcdad697dad6d4">[email protected]</span></a>.
(7) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(8) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8debffa3e4e3fefde8eef9e4e2e3cde3ecffeca3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7d1c599ded9c4c7d2d4c3ded8d9f7d9d6c5d699d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 13, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-16540 Filed 8-2-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.